180: Being a Newbie Pagan

For episode number 180, we do a 180. Instead of focusing on experienced Pagans and the topics that concern them, we instead, for the first time, devote an entire episode to newbie Pagans. In this episode we generate a guide to being a newbie Pagan including outlining some do’s, dont’s and common pitfalls. We also discuss the controversial topic of Fluffy Bunnies and if it’s okay to be one at any point during one’s spiritual journey. We also cover how you can improve yourself when you are essentially living in isolation from other Pagans. Join the cast, crew and friends of PCP including 2 Big Name Pagans in discussing being a Newbie Pagan.
Regular Hosts:
Amber, Ashlee, Branden, Dave, Joe
Guest Hosts:
Peter, Saturn and Star
02:22
Scarlet’s Feedback
04:38
It’s time for us to assemble a single resource for newbie Pagans instead of sending folks on a scavanger hunt through our previous shows.
06:01
What is a Fluffy Bunny?
06:12
Fluffy Bunny is not synonymous with Newbie
06:46
Fluffy Bunnies are those that do not question their beliefs
07:36
Nievety is a character of a Fluffy
07:40
Fluffies are those who do not think for themselves
08:08
Fluffies maintain an entire fictional reality for themselves
09:28
Fluffies are Bling incarnate
09:39
Fluffies exert the minimum effort
10:14
Fluffies are those that make us embarassed to be Pagan
11:03
Along any path, people grow
11:37
Fairy Wings, are they Fluffy?
11:50
Fluffies cannot hold an intellectual discussion about why they do things a certain way.
12:46
Some people stay in a stand-offish newbie state for a very long time
12:58
People looking to be accepted is what drives a wedged between those with experience and fluffies.
13:17
Christian Fluffies
13:57
Branden’s story of a Christian Fluff Bunny
15:51
How does one avoid being a fluffy?
16:02
Read, but don’t choose something shiny
16:13
Do not stick to a single author
16:23
Don’t take religious narcotics to avoid pain.
16:39
Talking to people is a good idea, even if it’s just forums
17:15
Don’t make the mistake of someone you think is an idiot
17:27
Learning and growing as a person is an integral part to the Pagan path
17:34
Forums are like Authors, diversify
17:59
Pagan resources are better and more available now
18:42
Shameless Plugs
19:31
The Do’s and Don’ts of Paganism
20:06
Critical Self-Analysis, one method
20:27
A less than nuclear option for critical self-analysis
20:46
Don’t stick to just a single group either
21:15
We are accustomed to taking the word of authority figures without question, forgetting Pagan leaders are also regular people.
21:53
Any leader is fallable
22:05
Pagan leaders should not have all of your answers, they should guide you.
22:28
It’s like dating!
23:32
Smelly holes
24:26
Will teenage newbie Pagans let their parents listen to this episode?
24:35
Age 14 is a key age for many Pagans
24:54
Wiccanism?
24:58
Going down the Pagan path usually mean you recently left another religion
26:00
Thoughts on the conversion transition
27:09
Paganism is more than Wicca
28:54
Is Wicca a jumping off point for many Pagans?
29:46
Remember your manners during the conversion process.
32:04
Breaking religious boundaries through familiarity with one’s beliefs
32:44
Secrecy
33:48
Secrecy vs. keeping quiet
36:14
Condom time!
37:12
What reading resource would we recommend to a concerned parent?
38:04
People’s perceptions of Witchcraft even today
39:00
Books for Parents
39:48
A glitter bashing comic
40:52
Is it okay for Wiccans to worship Shinto gods and gods of other pantheons? (a grand tour of Paganism ensues)
43:48
Cultural context!
43:54
Show respect to your deities
44:11
Do research!
44:35
Things get complicated when you mix deities from different pantheons
45:15
When deities don’t like each other
47:14
Preconceptions about gods
47:46
Just because you think someone is cool and you want to work with them, they may not want to work with you.
49:07
Buckland
49:41
Any book is good to read
50:56
Not supporting bad authors and supporting those that make good work
51:31
The Bull Factor
52:00
Sifting through the gabbing of authors saying how awesome they are.
53:16
If you hear about two authors with opposing views, read both
54:27
Eating is a conspiracy against women.
55:08
Just because an author has cooky ideas doesn’t mean they should always be tossed out
55:42
Our thoughts about the New Age section of book stores
56:35
There is a 2012 Tarot Deck!
56:59
Spiritual work is hard work, unlike what’s described in New Age books
57:57
Many New Age books prey on newbies
1:00:07
Branden has The Faery Oracle, it is locked away.
1:00:31
Amber’s Tarot Readings
1:02:04
YouTube crazy first-time Pagan experiences
1:02:36
Saturn’s advice about laminating your deck yourself
1:02:52
Saturn departing
1:03:08
Ashlee departs
1:03:26
How do you improve yourself when you’re a solitary Pagan
1:04:03
Pagan groups may bump into you.
1:04:06
The good old standby: The Internet
1:04:36
Don’t forget finding a local Pagan Pride days!
1:04:56
Take time to read, or start your own Pagan group!
1:05:03
Loiter in the New Age section of the local book store
1:05:08
Or hang out at the local adult shop
1:05:19
Book bling to draw attention
1:05:28
Bumper stickers as conversation starters
1:05:48
Scurvy finds Anthrocon-style bumper stickers.
1:06:15
The Entymology of Anthrocon makes no sense
1:06:31
Scurvy would be happier if he stopped trying to make sense of Otherkin
1:08:05
5 and 5: The Pagan Homesteader
Credits

Post-produced by: Ashlee
List of resources used or mentioned:
Drill SFX
http://www.freesound.org/samplesViewSingle.php?id=42937
PCP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 US License.
Season 19 Credits:
[DH] Lethal Destiny
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/354802
_-={Everlasting Times}=-_
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/170554
_-={Forces United!}=-_
http://www.newgrounds.com/audio/listen/290238

Originally Published: Sunday, January 16, 2011 at 7:00 pm
Pagan Centered Podcast
Licensed with CC BY-SA 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/us/