Merry Meet Scott :)
Regarding the jewellery, could your other half not advise you on what would be best or how to cleanse it?
I think its great that you are wanting to explore but I must tell you, its a lot of leg work lol! I have just come out of my first year and day and therefore still very much a beginner so I know its quite differcult on where to start! Best advice is ask questions and read lots! Ask your partner questions, I'm sure they would be delighted to share with you their knowledge and thoughts! My rule of thumb is, "if it feels right" (I'm an eceletic pagan... I take from different walks and traditions). Research different views and see what 'clicks' with you.

As with the "if I'm allowed and welcomed I would love to become Pagan" this is your life path and your choice, if Paganism calls to you then that is you decision and between you and the Divine :) I 'became' Pagan (in my belief) sitting in my kitchen listening to my friend explain a few things and everything in my head clicking into place. Then I decided to research and then gradualy to dedicate myself to the Divine and pray for guidance on my path and learning.

I'm sorry for rambling lol I hope it helped a little,
Brightest Blessings to you )O(

merry meet and welcome scott,
Firstly let me assure you that you do not need an invitation or initiation to become pagan it is something that one just feels is right for them. Every one is differant and there are many paths to walk, it is a matter of choice and what may feel right for some isn't necessarily the right thing for others. If it feels right and works for you then generally you are on the right track.
There are plenty of books out there now that deal with all the differant paths it's just a matter of finding what works for you.
There are plenty of amulets, crystals and runes that can help with protection against negativity, alot of which are here in the shop with all the relevant info on the differant aspects of protection. As for cleansing and blessing them i use the quite simple one of rinsing the item with running water, in a stream if you can if not a bottled water will work just as well, then place the item on a window sill in the moonlight for a night or the sun for a day. Or you could place the item in a dish of sea salt for a day. Once you have done this you can then dedicate them if you wish to a deity of your choosing or if you do not have a particular deity you can dedicate them to the lord and lady or mother earth and father sun whichever you fee drawn to and askhem to bless the item and for there help in protecting you from any negativity.
allways feel free to ask any question, thats how we learn. Nothing is demeed to silly or unimportant.
I wish you well on you journey of discovery and hope you feel at home here there are plenty of wise menand women here that will be glad to help.
Blessed be

Merry meet again all,
Lady Lustre you have raised a good point about what happens if you loose your amulet, crystal or what ever you are using for protection. so scott i thought you might also like to know that you can use a protective chant.
Visualise a tripple circle of purplish light around your body while chanting:
I am protected by your might,
o gracious goddess, day and night.
Another of the same type. Visualise a tripple circle and chant:
Thrice around the circle's bound,
Evil sink into the ground.
Both of these protection spells are included in Scott cunninghams A guide for the solitary practioner.
I hope that i have been of help.
Blessed be

hello again,
In answer to your question as long as you cleanse it first the pentagram itelf stands for spirit ruling the world of matter, also life, health, and protction (especially against hostile spirits). So i don't think you really need to use a chant to protect it against negativity as this is it's use allready. Hope that clarifies things for you .
Blessed be

merry meet aagin scott,
in answer to your question. paganisim has a very broad range of paths , wicca, driud, shamen, to name but a few. So it all depends on what you are drawn to, are you interested in a particular path or are just starting to find what fits with you. There are sooo many books out there now covering all diferant aspects of paganism. Amazon has a wide range of books and alot of times you can get good deals. Or you could go to your local library first to research the ones you are interested in.
I am an electic solitary, which means i take what i need from all diferant aspects and use only what feels right for me. And i don 't belong to any covern. The books i found helpfull are
A guide for the solitary practitioner - Scott Cunningham
Living Wicca - Scott cunningham
The real witches' handbook - Kate West
The wicc Bible - Ann-marie Gallagher
The witch's Almanac - Marie Bruce
These are just a few and i'm sure the other wise men and women on here will have plenty others to add to the list.
read whateve you can and just go with what feels right for you. Every one is differant and what works for one may not work for another. So it can be along journey but it's worth it. Don't try and rush as there is no end to the journey it is a lifetime of learning. Blessed be

I'm really glad someone else mentioned "Pagan Paths" as I was just about to recommend that too. It gives a great overview or starting point of the main branches of Paganism - Druidry, Astaru, Wicca etc.

Most of my experience is in Wicca. I've been learning and practicising on and off for around 12 years. But, I'm still learning. Paganism, like life, is a process in which you never stop learning and I believe Nature is our greatest teacher. You mentioned liking to go for walks. One way of connecting is to pay attention to the wildlife and greenery around you. Get to know the birds, trees and plants near where you live. I keep on my altar sea shells, pine cones and other found objects from walks and trips to the beach. :)

If Pagan is what you feel in your heart Scott, then that is all the confirmation you need. Paganism is a very inclusive and accepting path, so there's no need to feel you need the permission of others to fee you belong. Trust your feelings and read as widely as you can. Make note of what resonates.

Don't feel silly for asking questions, for it is in the asking, that we learn.

Brightest blessings on your journeys

Ayla x

Welcome to the well worn path

Everyone is walking their own way, finding out what they need to know by whatever means available.

I too, am a solitary, I tend to follow the Welsh/Celtic Deities myself, but each to their own, I am also looking at Druidry, as there is plenty there that interests me as well, no doubt as an ecletic, I shall draw on the two until I have what feels right for me.

It can be hard starting out, especially when you don't know anyone else who walks the path, as I found when I started.

However, I am far enough along now to be mentoring a fledgeling on my own forum, where I am lucky to have some very experienced practitioners who have been of enormous help to me over the last 2-3 years.

Any of Marie Bruce's books are good, as are Jan MacDonalds Cottage Witch (I STILL use it) and Anne Franklins books are good too (I tend to stick with UK authors)

Hope this helps.

L
x

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www.livingspirits.co.uk

Merry meet scott

well what can i say that hasn't already been said!?? All the advise i can give you is to read as much as you can about being pagan and then decide for yourself if its teh religion for you. Its all about how you feel :)

I myself am a Hellenist Paagn (greek pantheon) and my calling are teh greek gods, but you can choose whomever you wish and from whatever pantheon you so wish as well. If you are stuck and want to keep things simple you can just worship the Lord and Lady :)

Good luck in your endeavours and Blessed be )O(

UVA

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Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.".