Your opinion on this please

[MysticDreamFaerie]

I'm reading a book about Paganism and getting started on it. I know not all Pagan's use magic. If I was ever do plan to use magic I'd like it to be positive, like healing magic or something. Not sure if such a thing exists though. I'm not sure what I'll decide to do yet to be honest, still need more thought into it. I just want to do what I feel is right in my heart. A few people who I've talked to recently told me that I'm not truly a Pagan if I don't use magic. I'm building up my self esteem back cause I was in an abusive relationship and during this healing time I find myself to be very sensitive and emotional at times.

I know that one day I'd like to make my own oil, incense, handmade soaps and get into making my own clothing for myself. I love mother earth and I always felt connected with it. During my progress I've been meditating, carrying my crystals around, using my tarot cards, reading about astrology and taking photography of nature. There's been a lot of judgmental people lately and think I'm sinning, worshiping the devil or tell me that I need to be cast out by the evil that has entered into my life. Since I was eight years old I always believed in ghosts and fairies and questioned what else was out there. I've been criticized for this too. Has people treated you this way? If so, what is your response to they're treatment? I'm a very sensitive and emotional person by nature and I'm trying to tough this out and not care about what people think, but in some way it still does hurt deep down inside. I've also noticed that I'm an Empath too and I can feel people's sadness and anger. I need some days alone sometimes cause I get so drained by people's energy.

[SpiritTalker]

In my experience (empathic sensitive and going my own way) I have observed that people criticize to make themselves feel better or more secure. They are mentally and emotionally in their own fears and weaknesses. If it is a person who I respect, and whose opinion of me is guiding my life, I will tell my honest thoughts on the subject, and to anyone else I say they really have nothing to be concerned about, or ignore them. I should probably tell people their attitude is disappointing. Hmm. I need to try that.

I've seen auras and spirits, had pre cogs and telepathy, and talked to trees since I was 4. I just assumed every one else did too. I was 12, I think, when I learned they don't. It helps to cautiously share our psychic experiences and things we pick up with consideration for others feelings, and not invade their privacy. I can share my weirdness with my best friend. She "gets it."

There is no benefit in trying not to mind, to be tough in the face of criticism. We don't have to bury our feelings. We need to make them work for us and become strengths. A little indignation can be a useful thing.

Grounding is absolutely the most useful thing to practice daily...several times a day. Grounding ourselves when we are subjected to a load of someone else's manure will allow the emotional stench to drain off. Shielding, by pushing some energy out from the solar plexus when the dump truck is coming our way, is useful. Avoid stressed crowds, especially holiday shopping and spectator sports; attend open air concerts in the park.

[MysticDreamFaerie]

In my experience (empathic sensitive and going my own way) I have observed that people criticize to make themselves feel better or more secure. They are mentally and emotionally in their own fears and weaknesses. If it is a person who I respect, and whose opinion of me is guiding my life, I will tell my honest thoughts on the subject, and to anyone else I say they really have nothing to be concerned about, or ignore them. I should probably tell people their attitude is disappointing. Hmm. I need to try that.

I've seen auras and spirits, had pre cogs and telepathy, and talked to trees since I was 4. I just assumed every one else did too. I was 12, I think, when I learned they don't. It helps to cautiously share our psychic experiences and things we pick up with consideration for others feelings, and not invade their privacy. I can share my weirdness with my best friend. She "gets it."

There is no benefit in trying not to mind, to be tough in the face of criticism. We don't have to bury our feelings. We need to make them work for us and become strengths. A little indignation can be a useful thing.

Grounding is absolutely the most useful thing to practice daily...several times a day. Grounding ourselves when we are subjected to a load of someone else's manure will allow the emotional stench to drain off. Shielding, by pushing some energy out from the solar plexus when the dump truck is coming our way, is useful. Avoid stressed crowds, especially holiday shopping and spectator sports; attend open air concerts in the park.

Is grounding and shielding mentioned in any books? I haven't gotten that far yet into my book yet. Hopefully it'll mention it in there. I always avoid crowds in the crowd and I haven't been to any sporting games in awhile. If I do go I usually sit, watch the game and usually very quiet. I never go that far from my seat unless I'm getting food or need to use the bathroom. I've been to a few concerts in the past and again I noticed how I'm always in an area where nobody else is. Anytime I go to an event for the next few days I'll spend a day or two alone and not want to see anyone cause I need time to relax. I strongly believe that grounding and shielding will be very beneficial to me in the future.

[SpiritTalker]

You'll find grounding and shielding topics here if you use the search field up at the top.

Grounding is the first lesson on energy management. Visualize a tap root extending from your tailbone into the deep and wonderful Earth. You can send excess energy down to be cleansed and neutralized by the Earth, and you can draw fresh, renewed energy back up into your body to strengthen yourself.

After grounding you can shield by pushing that newly raised energy up the spine and out your navel area to fill your aura with iridescent energy. Just think it. Don't strain over it. Energy follows thought. To pull energy up, tense both legs like you're going to hop. Your muscles react. Energy flows softly. It's not an electric jolt, but a gentle warmth. To push, tighten the belly and exhale.