Survey

In today’s world, we find ourselves at the crossroads of a growing interest in paganism and witchcraft and a shrinking attendance within many traditions. This trend goes beyond the pagan community, affecting all manner of attendance-based organizations, private and public.
I have been researching this current trend to understand what the future of pagan practice might look like. A spiritual practice should uplift rather than drain. So, I pose the question; In today’s world, what spiritual practices support our lives and feed our souls. If traditional forms of attendance, membership, and service feel tired or feel like burdens then help me envision a pagan tradition and community that would be energy positive, that would give us what we seek from a spiritual practice.

OK, lets get started:

What initially inspired you to seek out the pagan community? *

I am new to paganism and wish to know more I was a solitary but wished to belong to a group I wanted to deepen my knowledge or practice beyond what i have found in books I wished to explore other pathways and cultures other

Where do you find most of your information/inspiration? *

Books Websites about pagan practice Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pintrest, Reddit, etc. Coven, study group, or other small group Classes or workshops offered by pagan organizations Retreats or conventions Festivals or other large gatherings In nature with others Alone in nature

How do you feel about belonging to a group? *

groups of people are exhausting Sounds nice, would like to explore without commitment I prefer open-to-the-public groups I prefer a small private group I like the idea of belong to a private initiatory tradition Past experience has made me weary of groups

How do you feel about online communities? *

I prefer them because groups of people stress me out I prefer them because I can participate on my terms and timeline They can be a fun resource, but they feel a bit isolating They can too easily become a platform for disagreements or hostility I prefer meeting person, because I feel people are more real I prefer meeting in person because I find technology frustrating other

How do you feel about groups that meet on a regular schedule? *

I prefer occasional spontaneous gatherings I like knowing that the group is there on regular basis so I can attend when my schedule allows or the mood strikes Having a regularly scheduled time, helps me to stay connected with my personal practice I like getting involved with a group, helping out, makes it feel like a home-base

How much time would you invest to keep a group going? *

Not much, I prefer to stay out of group management as much as possible As much as I would like, my life does not currently allow time for such things I like to pitch in here and there, as I have the time/inspiration to do so I enjoy being part of keeping the group going I will put in some time, should the group need me to As much time as the group requires

How do you feel about group structure? *

Decision making should be open to the whole group I prefer a small group of rotating members to manage things I prefer having the long-time members run things for the most part I prefer a structured hierarchy Don't really care as long as I don't have to do the work

Many groups or organizations are finding that fewer people are willing to lead or manage, causing a drain of energy within the group. what thoughts or insights might you have about this? *

How do you feel about working with a mentor or spiritual guide? *

I don't believe anyone really known that much more than the next person I prefer to explore on my own I like the privacy of an online mentor/guide I like the in person one-on-one experience I would prefer a setting where I was able to help shape the experience/curriculum One on one meetings are too intimate, I prefer learning in a group setting

How do feel about Initiatory traditions? *

Too hierarchical and inflexible Why all the secrecy and levels of membership Would like to but can't find a group I would like to if it deepend my own personal practice I find the initiatory aspect of my group to be a very important step to membership

What type of learning experience, if any, would you sign up for? *

In person, one day group course on a specific subject of interest In person, week or month long group course on a specific subject In person, week or month long group course on broader interconnected subjects Mentor lead online week or month long group course Mentor lead online week or month long solo course Online curriculum available to be explored in your own time and pace Mail subsrciption course to be explored in you own time and pace none

How do you feel about the traditional pagan Year and a Day time frame for initiation or study? *

It feels too restrictive Seems a bit long Sounds nice, but how would I find the time Love the idea of immersing myself, but worry that it will not give me what I need have found the practice deepens my spiritual practice and would do it again where do I sign up

Please share a brief description or list of practices, types of gatherings, or traditions you have experienced as spirituality energy positive, that you would prioritize as an important part of your life. *

Please share a ritual, moment, or experience that felt deeply spiritual. Was it with other people, was it an organized event, was it indoors or out, was it within the pagan community or other spiritual community? *

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TOMORROW’S SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: ENVISIONING THE FUTURE OF PAGANISM

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