The all-important question:

There have been a lot of new beginnings for me in the past few months: new career, new apartment, new band, new boyfriend....all of which demand so much of my time (let's not forget studying for the national certification, I haven't even begun to start that).  We add to all that the study of a new religion.  Something, it seems, has to give.  But I'm determined to see this through; all of these new beginnings help teach me about myself, about limitations and time management, about being able to say 'no'.  It's been frustrating, the last day I have had off from work was Friday the 13th (not kidding) and I will welcome this upcoming vacation.

Back to the subject: part of this week's exercises, appropriately, is to contemplate our reasons for choosing to study Wicca.  For a long time, I've felt this emptiness caused by my lack of spirituality.  Even as a child, I couldn't identify with Western religions and later felt drawn to religions like Buddhism.  After learning a little about Wicca from Mary and Natalie, I felt that it might help to strengthen my spirituality and my relationship with nature.  I may not end up following Wicca at the end, but I won't dismiss it as a possibility.

I've come to realize that I don't like to follow directions exactly as someone else has laid them out, but at the same time, I feel guilty for not doing the exercises as specified by the book.  I must learn that I won't be punished for doing them out of order, Timothy Roderick (the author) isn't going to stand over me and demand that I do everything exactly as written.  I am only accountable to myself, and if it's necessary to take a few days to get re-settled, I will take them.  This journey isn't about doing things correctly, it's all about learning and being patient.