When I See the Rain

~~~~ Content

I made my language labe experience awkward today. I walked in and there was no one there. So I took out my card and was about to write the time on it when I realized it was week 6 and I was well into week 8. But looking back I noticed that I had blank spaces in weeks one and two. So I decided to just punch the spaces there so I didn't get anymore ahead but filled in those missing blanks. Well, normally they punch after you spend the time in the lab so not only did I put punches where I don't really think they're suppose to be but I punched before I spent the hour here. Don't get me wrong, I'll be here an hour but as I was finishing the language lab attendant came back in and she saw me put my card back in the box. She has to know I did my own punches before I came in but maybe she'll let it go since I'll be here for an hour. I hate uncomfortable moments. Grrrr... :|

Took a "belief quiz" online just now... instead of doing my Arabic :rolleyes: Guess what? I got Neo-Paganism! Yay! It makes me feel good to take these kind of tests and always get Neo-Paganism. It makes me feel like I belong.

Today I'm going to finish up in here, go to Italian, get some lunch, do my laundry, finish my arabic homework, italian homework, and study for my geology lab quiz. Then I'm going to the rec, taking a shower, probably chil-laxin', getting some dinner, going to lecture on women in classical Greece, and coming back to watch Dancing With the Stars. I hope the lecture isn't too long. It's at 7 and Dancing With the Stars is at 8. Which means I should leave the lecture by 7:45 to be back on time and to not leave Laura out in the cold. I know, Dancing With the Stars is pathetic but now it's a bit of an obsession. I can't help it, I want Monique to win!

To Read The Results Of My Beliefs Test...
Neo-Pagans are a community of faiths bringing ancient Pagan and magickal traditions to the modern age--including mostly Wicca but also Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism, neo-Native American, and more. Neo-Pagan is an umbrella term for various and diverse beliefs with many elements in common. Some Neo-Pagans find no incongruence practicing Neo-Paganism along with adherence to another faith, such as Christianity or Judaism.

Belief in Deity
Some believe in a Supreme Being. Many believe in God and Goddess--a duality. Many believe there are countless spirit beings, gods and goddesses, in the cosmos and within all of nature--God is all and within all; all are one God. The Great Mother Earth, or Mother Nature, is highly worshipped. Divinity is immanent and may become manifest within anyone at any time through various methods.

Incarnations
No human incarnations are worshipped in particular, as all of nature and the universe are considered embodiments of God and Goddess, or of gods and goddesses, worthy of respect, reverence, or worship.

Origin of Universe and Life
Generally, there is no conflict between observations revealed through science and Neo-Pagan beliefs on origins of the physical universe and of man. Many believe in a supreme intelligence that created a duality of God/Goddess who then created a spirit world of gods and goddesses as well as all of the universe and nature.

After Death
Many believe in reincarnation after some rest and recovery in the "Otherworld." There is generally no concept of hell as a place of punishment, but some believe wrongdoing can trap the soul in state of suffering after death. Some (Wicca) believe the soul joins their dead ancestors who watch over and protect their family. Some believe that life energy continues in some, if unknown, form. Some believe in various spiritual resting places. Many say we don't or can't know what happens after death.

Why Evil?
"Evil" is imbalance. Most believe there is no evil but rather that people sometimes make mistakes. Wrongdoing results when we forget we are one with the universal spirit.

Salvation
The concept of "salvation" is essentially irrelevant; rather the belief that people can attain spiritual balance and harmony with each other and nature. The path includes group ceremonies, dances, songs/chants, prayers, meditation, trance, altered states of consciousness, the metaphysical, magic, invoking or evoking deities or spirits, Tantric practices. Intercessors are commonly used: psychics, seers, shamans, tarot, Oui-Ja board. Ethical choices are influenced by a belief that one is rewarded or punished within this or after this lifetime for one's choices and an ethical code to do no harm.

Undeserved Suffering
Most do not believe in Satan or any spirit being as the cause of suffering. Some believe in a karma-like principle, that choosing to live a life of wrongdoing and pain will naturally result in suffering in this or later lifetimes. Many view suffering as a result of spiritual imbalance in one's life or on the planet or in the universe. The focus is generally on healing suffering rather than answering definitively why it exists.

Contemporary Issues
Abortion is not condemned, as there is no official doctrine; beliefs about abortion range the full spectrum. Views on divorce, homosexuality, and gender equality are generally very supportive of human differences, equality, and personal choice. Many believe that involvement in community action, especially regarding environmental concerns, is integral to the belief in human interdependence and worship of the Earth Mother.