What it is

First, as I begin this journey, a moment of introduction. After much contemplation, you may call me Siofra Payton Eara. This is not my given name of course, but rather the name I have taken on. It translates roughly to changling guardian from the east. Fitting actually, and not too specific.(Siofra is of Scottish Celtic origin and pronounced shee-fra. Eara has the same origin and is pronounced ee-ah-rah. I hate not knowing how to pronounce things!) My husband and I have been married for 8 1/2 yrs, and have 2 children in elementary school, 2 cats and 1 very old dog. The goldfish died last month, so we currently have a fish tank with no fish in it. Hey, it's on the list! In case you didn't notice, the Yule and Christmas season are upon us and I'm just a *little* busy here! Oh, well I guess you wouldn't know that, I'll probably get into that in a bit!

First, for clarifications sake, let me just point out that a pagan is not a satanist. You may find a few satanists who identify with the term pagan though from what I understand that's not real common. For the most part, many pagans (not speaking for all or even most as I certainly haven't met "all" or "most"!) don't even believe in satan, so that makes being a follower pretty impossible! Not all pagans are into Wicca and witchcraft. That's not the right path for me personally at this time, though I've met several friends who do find satisfaction on that road. It is also possible to be a Christian and follow some pagan paths as well. Again not the road for me, but there are those out there who feel it suits them.

Once I accepted that I just couldn't get behind the whole Christianity thing, it was clear that for me the path of druidy was where I belonged. It's funny-odd really, in that I feel like I've always been a druid without knowing what to do about it! I read an interesting discussion on "what is a druid" a while back. The general consensus based on both knowledge of the "original druids" and the skills and abilities involved was that a druid is rather like a position in a village. Druids of old were versed in medicine, divination, were the judges and mediators, bards, musicians and advisors all rolled into one. There is also the nature reverence aspect as well that is rather prominant! I'm sure I'm missing a few things. Needless to say, this isn't a quick study, but rather a lifetime program of learning. I like that. Now the trick is to find the balance - that which allows us to raise our children in the path we see most appropriate without sending the rest of the family into apoplectic fits. Really, our spiritual life is none of their business, but five and seven year olds aren't known for their ability to selective vocalize either! Simply put, don't want the hassle, especially while we're still finding our way and figuring out our beliefs!